Adding an External Account: The Basic Process
To add an external account to your Bank of America profile, you log into your account online or through the mobile app, navigate to the transfer or account settings section, and provide the routing number and account number of the bank you want to link. Bank of America will then verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account, and you confirm those amounts back in your Bank of America dashboard. Once verified, you can transfer money to or from that external account.
The whole process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish, though the verification step can take longer if the external bank processes deposits slowly. You do not need to call Bank of America or visit a branch unless something goes wrong during verification.
Key Takeaways
- You need the routing number and account number of the external bank, which you can find on a check, your bank statement, or by calling that bank directly.
- Bank of America verifies the account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which protects both banks from fraud.
- The verification step usually takes two to three business days, but can take longer depending on how quickly the external bank processes deposits.
- Once verified, you can transfer money between the accounts through Bank of America's online banking or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch.
- If verification fails after multiple attempts, contact Bank of America customer service to troubleshoot or add the account manually with additional documentation.
Where to Find Your Routing and Account Numbers
The routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check from the external bank. The routing number is the first nine digits, and the account number follows. If you do not have a check, log into the external bank's online banking portal—most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section.
You can also call the external bank's customer service line and ask for the routing and account number. Have your account number or Social Security number ready to verify your identity. Some banks also print this information on statements or display it in their mobile app.
Steps to Add the Account Online
Open Bank of America's website and log in with your username and password. Click on the "Transfers" tab or look for "Add External Account" in the account settings menu—the exact location varies depending on whether you use the classic or newer version of the website.
Select "Add External Account" and choose the type of account (checking, savings, or money market). Enter the routing number and account number of the external bank, then provide the account holder's name and a nickname for the account (for example, "My Savings at Chase"). Bank of America will ask you to confirm the information before proceeding.
After you submit, Bank of America will send two small deposits to the external account within one to two business days. You will receive a notification when the deposits arrive. Log back into your Bank of America account and enter the two deposit amounts to complete verification. Once confirmed, the account is linked and ready to use.
Adding an Account Through the Mobile App
Open the Bank of America mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Transfers" or "Settings," then look for "Add External Account" or "Link Account." The process is identical to the website: enter the routing and account number, provide the account holder's name, and create a nickname.
You will receive a notification on your phone when the verification deposits arrive at the external bank. Return to the app, tap on the pending account, and enter the two deposit amounts to complete the link. The account will then appear in your transfer options.
What Happens If Verification Fails
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly, Bank of America will reject the verification and ask you to try again. You have a limited number of attempts—usually three—before the system locks you out temporarily. If this happens, wait 24 hours and try again, or contact Bank of America to reset the verification process.
If the external bank does not receive the deposits after three business days, the deposits may have been rejected due to an incorrect routing number, a closed account, or a mismatch between the account holder's name and the name on file at the external bank. Contact Bank of America customer service with the account details, and they can either resend the deposits or add the account manually using alternative verification methods (such as a recent bank statement or utility bill).
Transferring Money Once the Account Is Linked
Once verification is complete, go to the "Transfers" section of your Bank of America account and select the external account from the list. Choose whether you want to transfer money from your Bank of America account to the external account, or from the external account to Bank of America. Enter the amount and the date you want the transfer to occur.
Bank of America processes transfers on business days only. A transfer initiated before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically arrives at the external bank within one to two business days. Transfers initiated after 2 p.m. or on weekends will be processed the next business day. Some external banks take an additional day to post the funds to your account.
Security and Fraud Protection
Bank of America uses the two-deposit verification method to confirm that you own the external account and to prevent fraudsters from linking accounts they do not control. Once the account is linked, Bank of America monitors transfers for unusual activity and can freeze or reverse a transfer if it appears fraudulent.
If you notice a transfer you did not authorize, contact Bank of America immediately. Transfers initiated through online banking are generally protected under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, which limits your liability to $50 if you report the fraud within two business days. Report fraud as soon as you discover it to maximize your protection.
Removing or Unlinking an External Account
To remove an external account from your Bank of America profile, go to the account settings or transfer section, find the linked account in the list, and select "Remove" or "Delete." Bank of America will ask you to confirm the removal. Once deleted, you cannot transfer to or from that account through Bank of America, though the account itself at the external bank remains open and unaffected.
If you want to re-link the same external account later, you will need to go through the verification process again. Bank of America does not retain the verification from the previous link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an account from a credit union or online bank?
Yes. As long as the credit union or online bank has a routing number and accepts ACH transfers, you can link it to Bank of America. Some very small credit unions or international banks may not be compatible, but the vast majority are. If you are unsure, call the external bank and ask if they accept incoming ACH transfers.
How many external accounts can I link to Bank of America?
Bank of America does not publish a hard limit, but most customers can link 10 to 20 external accounts without issue. If you need to link more than that, contact customer service to discuss your situation. There is no fee to link accounts.
What if the account holder's name at the external bank does not match my name?
Bank of America requires the account holder's name to match the name on your Bank of America account. If you are trying to link a joint account or an account under a different name, you may not be able to verify it online. Contact Bank of America customer service to explore manual verification options.
Do I need to tell the external bank that I am linking it to Bank of America?
No. The external bank will see two small deposits from Bank of America and will process them like any other deposit. You do not need to notify them in advance. However, if the external bank flags the deposits as suspicious, contact them and explain that you are linking the account to Bank of America.
Can I transfer money immediately after linking, or do I have to wait?
You must wait until verification is complete before you can transfer money. Verification typically takes two to three business days. Once you confirm the two deposit amounts in your Bank of America account, the account is immediately ready to use for transfers.